Convertible multifunction covering

ABSTRACT

A covering, such as a blanket or a poncho, that is successively convertible into and from a stadium seat cushion and a tote bag, employs a conversion means comprised of at least one fastening flap and at least one hanging pocket. The fastening flaps wrap around the folded covering and hold the folded covering in the desired configuration, while the hanging pocket holds small items or beverages while the user is using the folded covering as a seat cushion. The method of folding the covering to convert it from a blanket or poncho into a seat cushion and a tote bag is also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a covering, such as a poncho or blanket (including aground covering such as a picnic blanket) that can be reconfigured toserve as a seat cushion or a tote bag.

There are blankets convertible to tote bags in the prior art, such asU.S. Pat. No. 5,103,515 to Bird; U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,113 to Kim; andU.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. US2008/0083066 to Linn, et. al. These inventionssolve the convertibility problem by means of pockets in the blanketitself (see Bird); an elaborate system of zippers (see Kim); and pouchesand elaborate methods of folding (see Linn). In these inventions, theconversion process is relatively complex, making use of these inventionssomewhat difficult.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention simplifies the conversion process. It is acovering that can, depending on whether a hole is cut in the center anda hood attached, be used as both a poncho, blanket, or ground cover andcan be converted into not only a tote bag, but a stadium seat cushion aswell. Unlike the prior art, the present invention solves theconvertibility problem by using a conversion means comprised of one ormore fastening flaps and one or more hanging pockets attached to oneside of the covering in a “T” configuration, where the long axes of theone or more fastening flaps and the long axis of one or more hangingpockets are perpendicular. By folding the covering as described herein,the folded covering itself, using the conversion means and unlike theprior art, creates the storage cavity of the tote, instead of relying onpockets or pouches, as in Linn. The one or more hanging pockets functionboth as a pocket for the seat cushion and as a flap covering the openingto the tote bag. One or more carrying means are attached at keylocations on the covering, such as handles made of fabric, wood,leather, or other commonly-used materials, or straps for a backpack,which allow the covering to be conveniently carried by the user whenconfigured as a tote.

Using this conversion means, the covering when folded as described formsfirst a seat cushion with one or more hanging pockets convenientlylocated to hold small items such as sunglasses, suntan lotion,binoculars, or even beverages for the person sitting on the seat cushionand then a tote bag for holding items such as books. The fasteningflap(s) of the conversion means wrap around the exterior of the foldedcovering to prevent the covering from unfolding during its use as a totebag or as a seat cushion. The free end of the hanging pocket may have afastening means attached to it, allowing the free end to be removablysecured either outside or inside the folded covering when the foldedcovering is used as a tote bag. Although the preferred embodiment of theinvention contemplates a multiple-layer covering comprised of a top andbottom layer of fabric with a filler material between the top and bottomlayers, the covering can also consist of a single layer of fabric, whichcan be waterproof or water-resistant on one or both sides.

As mentioned above, the covering may have a hole substantially in thecenter of the covering with a hood sewn to the edges of the hole, sothat the covering when completely unfolded can be used as a poncho. Inthe preferred embodiment, one side of the covering and one side of theponcho hood is made of a water-resistant material, facilitating the useof the covering as a poncho, and also so that the covering can be usedas a picnic blanket when laid on the ground with the water-resistantside down (i.e. in substantial contact with the ground) and the fabricside up.

This convertible multifunction covering is ideal for going to the beach,where items like sunglasses, beverages, and suntan lotion can be carriedin the covering folded as a tote bag, which can then be unfolded at thebeach into a beach blanket or a seat cushion, or used as a poncho duringa sudden rain shower. It is also ideal for use at a NASCAR race, afootball game, or other stadium events where items can be carried in thecovering folded as a tote, then it can be unfolded and used as a seatcushion, used as a poncho in case of rain, or as a blanket to be used incold weather. The embodiments of the covering having backpack straps ascarrying means are particularly suitable for young school children, whocan use the covering to carry books and other supplies to school, thenuse it as a seat cushion and as a sleeping mat or a blanket while atschool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the lower side of the preferred embodiment of the inventionconfigured as a hooded poncho, with a cutaway showing the fillermaterial.

FIG. 2 shows the upper side of the covering, including the configurationof the conversion means and its placement on the upper side of thecovering.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate configuration of the conversion means usingonly one fastening flap.

FIG. 4 shows the multifunction covering with straps configured to allowthe tote to be carried as a backpack.

FIG. 5 illustrates the method of folding to accomplish the conversion ofthe covering into a tote.

FIG. 6 shows the covering configured as a seat cushion.

FIG. 7 shows the covering configured as a tote.

FIG. 8 shows the covering with the conversion means integratingfastening flaps and the hanging pocket into either one or twoassemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the invention consists ofa rectangular hooded foldable covering 1, such as a hooded poncho,comprising an upper side 2, and lower side 3. Covering 1 has a hole 5 inthe upper and lower sides of the covering, located substantially in thecenter with a diameter sufficient to allow a human head to pass through(typically 9″-16″). A hood 6 is sewn to the edge of hole 5. Drawstring 7is contained in a channel 8 in hood 6 that allows the wearer of theponcho to pucker the opening of the hood, thereby sealing the edgesagainst the wearer's face. Although the preferred embodiment isrectangular, coverings that are in other, non-rectangular shapes mayalso be used.

The covering in the preferred embodiment has a long axis and a shortaxis, two substantially parallel long edges and two substantiallyparallel short edges. The long axis of the covering in the preferredembodiment is longer than the short axis by a ratio of 2:1. The coveringmay also be a simple blanket without a hole and hood, but which employsthe conversion means as described below.

FIG. 1 shows that the covering itself can be comprised of a single layerof fabric or multiple layers of either the same or different types offabric, each layer stitched together using commonly-known techniques.For example, in the preferred embodiment, the fabric is stitchedtogether at the edges, but it could also be quilted. If multiple layersof fabric are used, different types of fabric can be used in each layer.For example, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, upper side 2is comprised of a soft material, such as plain, napped, or coatedfabrics (i.e. cotton or fleece), and lower side 3 is comprised of awater-resistant fabric including, but not limited to, Gore-Tex®,rubberized or coated canvas, or nylon. A filler material 4 may also besandwiched between multiple layers of fabric to serve as insulation andcushion.

The element common to all embodiments is a conversion means which holdsthe covering in a folded configuration when it is folded up into a seatcushion or a tote bag. The conversion means has two components, one ormore fastening flaps 9 and one or more hanging pockets 10. Althoughfastening flaps 9 and hanging pocket 10 are shown as separate componentsin FIG. 2, it is desirable from a manufacturing point of view tominimize the amount of stitching and materials required. Thus, incertain embodiments of the invention, fastening flaps 9 and hangingpocket 10 can be incorporated into one (see FIG. 8A), two (see FIG. 8B),or three separate components (as in the preferred embodiment).

In the preferred embodiment, the conversion means has two fasteningflaps 9. The function of these fastening flaps is to hold the coveringin a folded configuration when being used as either a tote or a seatcushion. The fastening flaps have a long axis and a short axis; in thepreferred embodiment, they are rectangular with two parallel long sidesand two parallel short sides. The fastening flaps may be made out of anysuitable material including but not limited to cloth or leather, but aretypically made of material similar to that of the covering itself. Theflaps have one of their short sides attached to the upper side 2 ofcovering 1, and the distal side of these flaps each have complementaryparts of fastening means 14 attached thereto. This fastening means ismost commonly Velcro®, a snap fastener, buttons, or even magnets sewninto pockets in the fabric. The fastening means at the distal end ofeach flap mates with its complementary part to hold said ends of theflaps securely joined when the flaps are wrapped around the foldedcovering.

In an embodiment where there is only one fastening flap that wrapsaround the folded covering, the fastening means mates with itscomplement that is attached to the upper side 2 of covering 1 as shownin FIG. 3. Although the flaps in the preferred embodiment aresubstantially rectangular, they are not required to be so, as someembodiments of the invention feature fastening flaps that are highlyelongated ellipses. Other embodiments of the invention have squarefastening flaps. In these embodiments, the square fastening flaps haveno long or short axis; however, one side is fastened to the upper side 2of covering 1 as described above, with the opposite edge havingfastening means 14 attached thereto. The square fastening flaps arealigned so that the edges adjacent to the side fastened to the upperside 2 are perpendicular to the long axis of hanging pocket 10.

At least one hanging pocket 10 is the second component of the fasteningmeans. Each pocket has a long axis and a short axis and is typicallycomposed of multiple layers of fabric sewn together with seam stitches.One or more of the layers of fabric composing the hanging pocket may bewaterproof or water-resistant.

Turning to the preferred embodiment, hanging pocket 10 is rectangularand has two parallel long sides and two parallel short sidescorresponding to its long axis and its short axis, respectively. Hangingpocket 10 is attached to upper side 2 of covering 1 at one end definedby its long axis so that the cavity therein 16 is disposed on its distalend, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 8. The opening of cavity 16 has afastening means 14 attached thereto, so that the complementary parts ofthe fastening means allow the user to unseal and reseal the cavity ofthe hanging pocket easily.

The conversion means is composed of the aforementioned fastening flaps 9and one or more hanging pockets 10 disposed so that the long axes of thefastening flaps and the long axis of the one or more hanging pockets aresubstantially perpendicular. In other words, fastening flaps 9 and oneor more hanging pockets 10 are disposed in a “T” configuration, withhanging pockets 10 defining the stem of the “T” and fastening flaps 9 asthe cross of the “T” as shown in FIG. 2.

Turning to the preferred embodiment of the invention, fastening flaps 9are placed so that their long axis is parallel to the short axis ofcovering 1. As mentioned above, covering 1 in the preferred embodimentis substantially rectangular, with two long sides with parallel edges,and two short sides with parallel edges. The centerline long axes ofeach of fastening flaps 9 are approximately ¼ to ⅜ of the length of thelong axis of covering 1 from one of its short sides. The attached edgesof fastening flaps 9 are fastened to upper side 2 at a distance from thelong sides of covering 1 equal to approximately ⅓ the length of theshort axis of covering 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, pocket 13 is placedbetween fastening flaps 9 and is formed by rectangular cloth with upperand lower faces and attached on three sides to upper side 2, the fourthside having a fastening means 14 attached on the lower face abuttingupper side 2, with its complementary fastening means attached directlyto upper side 2, allowing the opening to the cavity thereby defined tobe sealed and unsealed. Hanging pocket 10 is attached with its long axisalong the centerline of the long axis of covering 1, as shown in FIGS. 2and 3. The distal end of hanging pocket 10 extends along the centerlineof covering 1 toward the center of the covering, with the pocket 16facing down; that is, abutting upper side 2, when the pocket and thecovering are lying flat. Thus, the fastening flaps 9 and the hangingpocket 10 that comprise the conversion means define a “T” shape, withhanging pocket 10 as the stem and fastening flaps 9 as the cross.

Note that in this specification, the term “centerline long axis” refersto an axis that is equidistant from the long sides of a rectangularcomponent such as covering 1, fastening flap 9, or hanging pocket 10.

The conversion means is positioned on the upper edge 2 of covering 1, sothat when covering 1 is folded, fastening flaps 9 extend around to theopposite side of the folded covering. As described above, thecomplementary parts of fastening means 14 that are attached to thedistal ends of the fastening flaps engage, thereby holding the coveringin a folded configuration.

The conversion means can also consist of a single fastening flap (asshown in FIG. 3), with a long axis and a short axis and correspondinglong and short sides with one short side attached to the upper side 2 ofcovering 1. The long axis of the single fastening flap is disposedperpendicular to the long axis of hanging pocket 10, and there is afastening means attached to the distal end which engages a complementaryfastening means 14 attached to the upper side 2 when the singlefastening flap extends around the folded covering, thereby holding thecovering in a folded configuration. In general, whether a single flap ormultiple flaps are used the fastening flaps or ribbons 9 hold covering 1in a folded configuration and the long axes of the one or more fasteningflaps and the hanging pocket are perpendicular.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention uses fastening means14 described above, fastening means 14 is not strictly required. Iffastening flaps 9 are highly elongated, where the ratio of the length ofthe long axis to the length of the short axis is greater than 10 to 1,it may not be feasible or desirable to use a fastening means at thedistal end. Instead, the distal ends of the fastening flaps may simplybe tied together. Or, if only one fastening flap is used that wrapsaround the periphery of the folded covering, it can be tied around ananchor loop placed in the appropriate location on the upper side 2 tohold the end of fastening flap 9 in place when the covering is folded.

Although the exact placement of the conversion means is described indetail for the preferred embodiment above, the conversion means can beattached to the upper side 2 of the covering 1 in a number of locations,except for the exact center when hole 5 is present. Although it would benecessary to fold the covering differently in order to form the seatcushion and tote, the function of the conversion means does not change,namely, it still serves to hold the folded covering together in thedesired configuration using at least one fastening flap.

Carrying means such as handles 11 and 12 in the preferred embodiment aretypically straps made of nylon, canvas, or any other suitable sturdymaterial and allow the fully-folded covering to be easily carried as atote. However, the carrying means can encompass a system of attachments(such as rings) attached to the covering, to which a rigid or non-rigidhandle or strap is clipped, as is common in some handbags, duffels, andthe like.

Turning to the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, handle 11 isattached to the upper side 2 of covering 1, on the same half of theupper side as the conversion means. The two ends of handle 11 areattached to upper side 2 within 5″ of one short side of covering 1, andare positioned so that each end is symmetrically disposed across thecenterline long axis of covering 1. Handle 12 is a strap of similarlength to handle 11 whose ends are attached within 5″ of the opening ofpocket 13 and which are disposed symmetrically along either side of thecenterline long axis of covering 1.

It is also possible, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, to usea single strap 11 instead of dual straps and fasten both the loop andthe free ends of the straps in such a way that the strap fits over bothshoulders, allowing the tote to be carried like a backpack as shown inFIG. 4.

To convert the covering from a poncho into a seat cushion and then atote, it is necessary to fold the covering in a specific manner so thatthe conversion means' fastening flaps 9 wrap around the folded coveringto prevent the covering from unfolding. To facilitate ease of folding,guide seams 20, 21, 22 and guide fastening means 18 shown in FIG. 2 areused as guides for the user. Guide seams 21, 22 are sewn into upper side2 parallel to the long axis of covering 1 and are spaced approximately ⅓of the distance of the short axis of covering 1 from the long edge ofcovering 1. Guide seam 20 is sewn into upper side 2 at a distanceapproximately ½ of the length of the long axis from the short edges ofcovering one. The guide seams 20, 21, 22 facilitate correct folding ofcovering 1 because the seams are emplaced so that the user simply foldsthe covering along the guide seams. Guide fastening means 18, which aresimilar to fastening means 14, work with the guide seams to facilitatecorrect folding of the covering by the user, so that the complementaryparts of the fastening means mate when the poncho is correctly foldedalong guide seams 20, 21, and 22. Guide fastening means 18 also serve toseal the tote's cavity, as described below.

To covert the preferred embodiment of covering 1 to a seat cushion andthen a tote, the unfolded covering is placed flat on a substantiallylevel surface with upper side 2 down as shown in FIG. 5A. The half ofcovering 1 that does not have the conversion means attached is foldedover toward the user, so that upper side 2 is now on the outside of thecovering, and lower side 3 is in the interior of the folded covering.The conversion means should now be on the bottom of the covering sofolded, as shown in FIG. 5B. The resulting folded covering should nowhave a top, bottom, left, and right sides, as viewed from the user'sperspective and as shown in FIG. 5B. The right ⅓ and the left ⅓ ofcovering 1 so folded should be folded over each other so that both lieover the center ⅓ of covering 1. Fastening flaps 9 of the conversionmeans should now be extended so they are perpendicular to the left andright sides of the covering so folded; a “cross” configuration, asviewed from the user's perspective, and as shown in FIG. 5C. Next, theuser should first fold the top ⅓ of the covering over the center ⅓ (seeFIG. 5D), so that the hanging pocket has been uncovered by thenow-folded top ⅓ of the covering. Next, fold the bottom ⅓ of thecovering over the top ⅓, so that both top and bottom portions are foldedover the center, as shown in FIG. 5E. The fastening means at the distalends of fastening flaps 9 should then be engaged to hold these endssecurely and maintain the covering in a folded configuration, as shownin FIG. 5F. The folded covering may now be used as a seat cushion, withhanging pocket 10 extended so that it hangs between the legs of a personsitting on the folded covering, as shown in FIG. 6.

The seat cushion becomes a tote bag when the cushion is suspended byhandles 11, 12, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Hanging pocket 10 thenserves as a cover to the tote's cavity opening when folded underfastening flaps 9. It can also be detachably secured by attachingcomplementary parts of fastening means 14 to both the distal end ofhanging pocket 10 and the portion of upper side 2 that abuts the distalend of hanging pocket 10. In the ultimate configuration, pocket 13 is onthe outside of the tote, on the opposite side from the joined distalends of fastening flaps 9. The cavity formed by the covering so foldedcan be used to carry books and other items. As configured, the tote'scavity 23 may have holes in the bottom and at the sides where smallitems may fall out. However, guide fastening means 18 (i.e. strips ofVelcro®) serve to seal any portion of the tote cavity that is not sealedby fastening flaps 9.

It should be understood that the description above only reflects oneparticular embodiment of the invention. Variations on this inventioninvolve the relative dimensions of covering 1, whether or not hole 5 andhood 6 are integrated into the covering, and the placement of theconversion means, as described above. Different conversion meansplacement will necessitate different handle placement and methods offolding, although the objective of the handle placement and foldingmethod is the same: to allow one or more fastening flaps of theconversion means to wrap around the folded covering in the tote/seatcushion configuration and prevent it from unfolding. A person ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are variousplacements of the conversion means which would require only slightchanges in the folding method to accomplish the identical function ofconversion and it is the intent of the inventor to capture each of thoseslight modifications within the scope of this invention.

1. An apparatus comprising: A foldable covering, A conversion meansattached to said covering; and At least one carrying means
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said conversion means comprises at leastone fastening flap and at least one hanging pocket allowing saidfoldable covering to be converted into a seat cushion and a tote.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the long axes of said at least onefastening flap and said at least one hanging pocket are substantiallyperpendicular to each other.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said atleast one fastening flap is elongated.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said covering is a poncho.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 whereinsaid covering has a hood.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidcovering is a blanket.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coveringis rectangular.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said foldablecovering has guide seams emplaced thereto and fastening means attachedthereto.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one carryingmeans is attached in such a way as to allow said covering to be carriedlike a backpack when folded.
 11. A multifunction convertible covering,comprising: A rectangular foldable covering having two parallel longsides and two parallel short sides, and a centerline parallel to saidparallel long side, A conversion means attached to said coveringcomprising: One or more substantially rectangular fastening flaps havinga long axis and short axis, said one or more fastening flaps having oneend attached so that said fastening flaps' long axes are parallel to ashort side of said covering and that are attached in proximity to saidshort side; A hanging pocket having a long axis and a short axis, saidpocket having one end attached to said covering so that said hangingpocket's long axis is equidistant from said parallel long sides andperpendicular to said one or more fastening flaps' long axes; and Atleast one carrying means. Wherein said conversion means allows saidcovering to be folded into a seat cushion having at least one hangingpocket, and a tote bag.
 12. A multifunction convertible covering ofclaim 11 wherein said at least one carrying means is attached in such away as to allow said covering to be carried like a backpack when folded.13. A multifunction convertible covering, comprising: A rectangularfoldable covering having two parallel long sides and two parallel shortsides, and a centerline parallel to said parallel long side, and Aconversion means attached to said covering comprising: Two fasteningflaps having long axes and short axes, said flaps having one endattached so that said fastening flaps' long axes are parallel to a shortside of said covering and that are attached in proximity to said shortside A hanging pocket having a long axis and a short axis, said pockethaving one end attached to said covering so that said hanging pocket'slong axis is equidistant from said parallel long sides and perpendicularto said fastening flaps' long axes.
 14. A method for converting afoldable covering having conversion means attached thereto into a seatcushion with at least one hanging pocket or a tote bag comprising thesteps of: folding said covering in such a way that the at least onefastening flap of said conversion means hold said covering in thedesired folded configuration.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein saidfolding is facilitated by means of guide seams and fastening means. 16.A method of assisting a user in folding a foldable covering havingconversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion and into a totebag comprising the steps of Emplacing guide seams in said foldablecovering, and Attaching guide fastening means to said foldable covering.17. A method of assisting a user in converting a foldable coveringhaving conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion with ahanging pocket and a tote bag comprising the step of instructing theuser to fold the covering in such a way that one or more fastening flapshold said foldable covering in a folded configuration.
 18. A method ofassisting a user in converting a foldable covering having conversionmeans attached thereto into a seat cushion with a hanging pocket and atote bag comprising the step of instructing the user to: Lay thecompletely unfolded covering on a flat, horizontal surface so that thecovering, with conversion means facing downwards; Fold the top half ofthe covering over the lower half of the covering along a guide seamemplaced in said covering; Fold the right one-third of the covering sofolded over the left one-third of the covering using guide seamsemplaced in said covering; Fold the top half of the covering so foldedover the bottom half of the covering; and, Engage the fastening flaps ofsaid conversion means.